{{Short description|Indian actor, director and producer (1942–2024)}} {{sources|date=August 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}{{Use Indian English|date=December 2024}}
{{redirect|Dwarakesh|the visually impaired Indian army officer|Dwarakesh (swimmer)}} {{Infobox person | name = Dwarakish | image = Dwarakish.jpg | imagesize = | caption = Dwarakish in 1994 Kannada film ''Kiladigalu'' | birth_name = Bungle Shama Rao Dwarakanath<ref>{{cite news |title=Dwarakish take a trip down memory lane |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/dwarakish-takes-a-trip-down-memory-lane-391394.html |access-date=18 August 2020 |work=News18 |date=11 August 2011 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011135042/https://www.news18.com/news/india/dwarakish-takes-a-trip-down-memory-lane-391394.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1942|8|19}}<ref name = hin>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/packing-in-the-power/article19508986.ece|title=Packing in the power|first=Muralidhara|last=Khajane|date=17 August 2017|access-date=14 October 2017|newspaper=The Hindu|archive-date=10 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310082444/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/packing-in-the-power/article19508986.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> | birth_place = Hunsur, Kingdom of Mysore | death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|2024|4|16|1942|8|19}} | death_place = Bengaluru, Karnataka, India | years_active = 1963–2024 | occupation = {{hlist|Actor|director|producer|screenwriter}} | works = Full list | spouses = {{ubl|{{marriage|Ambuja||2021|end=died}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://kannada.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/kannada-actor-dwarakish-passed-away-on-the-same-day-as-his-wife-ambuja-pvn-1657217.html|title=Dwarakish: ಪತ್ನಿ ಅಂಬುಜಾಕ್ಷಿ ಸಾವನ್ನಪ್ಪಿದ್ದ ದಿನದಂದೇ ಇಹಲೋಕ ತ್ಯಜಿಸಿದ ದ್ವಾರಕೀಶ್! ಅಪ್ಪನ ಕೊನೆ ಕ್ಷಣಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಮಗನ ಮಾತು|publisher=News18 Kannada|access-date=16 April 2024|archive-date=26 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426022001/https://kannada.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/kannada-actor-dwarakish-passed-away-on-the-same-day-as-his-wife-ambuja-pvn-1657217.html|url-status=live}}</ref>|{{marriage|Shailaja|1993-2024}}}} | children = 6; including Giri<ref>{{cite news|url=https://zeenews.india.com/kannada/photo-gallery/dwarakish-second-marriage-with-shailaja-and-dwarakish-first-wife-ambuja-204459|title=Dwarakish Wife: 51 ನೇ ವಯಸ್ಸಿಗೆ 2 ನೇ ಮದುವೆಯಾಗಿದ್ದ ನಟ ದ್ವಾರಕೀಶ್! ಇವರ ಮೊದಲ ಪತ್ನಿ, ಐವರು ಮಕ್ಕಳನ್ನು ನೋಡಿದ್ದೀರಾ?|publisher=ZeeNews|access-date=16 April 2024|archive-date=26 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426022041/https://zeenews.india.com/kannada/photo-gallery/dwarakish-second-marriage-with-shailaja-and-dwarakish-first-wife-ambuja-204459|url-status=live}}</ref> | relatives = Hunsur Krishnamurthy (uncle) | website = {{URL|dwarakishchitra.com}} }}
'''Bungle Shama Rao Dwarakanath''' (19 August 1942 – 16 April 2024), known by his stage name '''Dwarakish''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|d|w|ɑː|r|k|ɪ|ʃ}} {{Respell|DWAR|kish}}),<ref name="Lokesh 2024 f409">{{cite web | last=Lokesh | first=Vinay | title=Dwarakish Death News: Veteran actor Dwarakish passes away | website=The Times of India | date=16 April 2024 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/veteran-actor-dwarakish-passes-away/articleshow/109337286.cms | access-date=16 April 2024 | archive-date=16 April 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416113826/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/veteran-actor-dwarakish-passes-away/articleshow/109337286.cms | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGAeTv8yGq8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/GGAeTv8yGq8 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Senior Actor Dwarakish Condoles Death Of C K Jaffer Sharief & Rebel Star Ambareesh|website=YouTube|date=25 November 2018 |access-date=9 October 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> was an Indian actor, comedian and filmmaker who predominantly worked in Kannada cinema in addition to few Tamil and Hindi films. Starting his career as a supporting actor in ''Veera Sankalpa'' (1964) and co-producer for the film ''Mamatheya Madilu'' in 1966, Dwarakish went on to work over five decades in cinema. He debuted as a director with the film ''Nee Bareda Kadambari'' (1985).
Fondly remembered as "Karnatakada Kulla" ({{lit|Dwarf of Karnataka}}), Dwarakish produced over 50 films under his home production called "Dwarakish Chitra". ''Mayor Muthanna'' (1969) was the first film to be produced under his banner. He is referred to be the "First showman of Kannada cinema" for his daring and lavish experiments and his films were known for grand sets, songs and exotic locations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/dwarakish-the-first-showman-of-kannada-cinema-1141689.html|title=Dwarakish, the first showman of Kannada cinema|website=Deccan Herald|date=3 September 2022|access-date=21 May 2024|archive-date=21 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521094913/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/dwarakish-the-first-showman-of-kannada-cinema-1141689.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
He appeared in more than 200 films starting 1962. In 1969, he founded Dwarakish Chitra, and produced more than 50 films, while also directing 25 films. In addition to Kannada, Dwarakish also worked on Tamil and Hindi films. Many films that he worked as a director and/or producer were remake films.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://dwarakishchitra.com/about-us |website=Dwarakish Chitra |access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref>
==Early life== Dwarakish was born on 19 August 1942. He grew up in Ittigegud, Mysore.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-16 |title=Legendary film actor Dwarakish no more |url=https://starofmysore.com/legendary-film-actor-dwarakish-no-more/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=Star of Mysore |language=en-US |archive-date=28 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628170853/https://starofmysore.com/legendary-film-actor-dwarakish-no-more/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He received his primary education in Sharada Vilas and Banumaiah's school, and he graduated from CPC Polytechnic with a Diploma in Automobile Engineering.<ref name = hi>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/passion-helped-him-taste-success-in-cinema-world/article2345123.ece|title=Passion helped him taste success in cinema world|date=11 August 2011|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=26 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426022044/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/passion-helped-him-taste-success-in-cinema-world/article2345123.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> After completing his education, Dwarakish and his brother started an automotive spare-parts business called "Bharath Auto Spares" in Gandhi Square, Mysore.<ref name = hi/> He was strongly attracted to acting and often asked his maternal uncle, a famous cinema director Hunusur Krishnamurthy, to give him a chance to act in movies. In 1963, he decided to quit business and start acting in movies.<ref name = hi/> He was rechristened as Dwarakish by director C. V. Shivashankar.<ref name="Sharadhaa 2024 q427">{{cite web | last=Sharadhaa | first=A | title=Veteran Kannada actor, producer & director Dwarakish passes away | website=The New Indian Express | date=16 April 2024 | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2024/Apr/16/veteran-kannada-actor-producer-director-dwarakish-passes-away-3 | access-date=16 April 2024 | archive-date=17 April 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417031718/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2024/Apr/16/veteran-kannada-actor-producer-director-dwarakish-passes-away-3 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/towering-feats-of-karnatakada-kulla-industry-mourns-dwarakish-s-death-2981507|title=Towering feats of 'Karnatakada Kulla': Industry mourns Dwarakish's death|publisher=Deccan Herald|access-date=17 April 2024|archive-date=17 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417045412/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/towering-feats-of-karnatakada-kulla-industry-mourns-dwarakish-s-death-2981507|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Film career== [[File:Dwarakish, Vishnuvardhan.jpg|thumb|right|Dwarakish, Vishnuvardhan in 1994 Kannada film ''Kiladigalu'' ]]
===Actor === Dwarkish started his film journey by doing a small role, that of a prince in the film ''Veera Sankalpa'' (1964) directed by his uncle Hunsur Krishnamurthy. Later he did small roles in ''Maduve Madi Nodu'' (1965) and ''Satya Harischandra'' (1965).
As an actor, he was known to play comedic roles, and his early films saw his frequently appear alongside T. N. Balakrishna and Narasimharaju.<ref name="thehindu2024">{{cite web |last1=Anandraj |first1=Shilpa |title=Dwarakish, the complete entertainer |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/dwarakish-the-complete-entertainer/article68113064.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=17 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430140644/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/dwarakish-the-complete-entertainer/article68113064.ece |archive-date=30 April 2024 |language=en-IN |date=30 April 2024}}</ref> Dwarakish generally capitalised on his short stature to build his characters.<ref name="thehindu2018">{{cite web |last1=Khajane |first1=Muralidhara |title=Packing in the power |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/packing-in-the-power/article19508986.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=17 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310082444/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/packing-in-the-power/article19508986.ece |archive-date=10 March 2018 |language=en-IN |date=17 August 2017}}</ref>
===Producer=== In 1966, Dwarakish co-produced ''Mamatheya Bandhana'' with two others under the banner of Thunga Pictures.<ref name = hin/> In 1969, his first independent production ''Mayor Muthanna'' starring Dr. Rajkumar and Bharathi Vishnuvardhan in the lead roles was a box office success.<ref name = sify/> After ''Mayor Muthanna'', Dwarakish delivered a series of box office successes as producer, one after the other for the next two decades.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/sshivu/status/1172774550548832256/photo/1|title=Kannadigas didn't recognize me - Dwarakish|work=Mid Day|date=July 10, 1983|access-date=16 July 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011135042/https://twitter.com/sshivu/status/1172774550548832256/photo/1|url-status=live}}</ref>
''Singaporenalli Raja Kulla'' (1978), which he produced and starred in, was the first Kannada film to be shot outside India. Dwarakish was known for his frequent collaborations with Vishnuvardhan both as actor and producer in films such as ''Kalla Kulla'' (1975), ''Kittu Puttu'' (1977), ''Guru Shishyaru'' and ''Apthamitra'' (2004).<ref>{{cite web |title=Kannada actor-director Dwarakish no more |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kannada-actor-director-dwarakish-no-more/articleshow/109345851.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=17 April 2026 |date=16 April 2024}}</ref> Other than Kannada, he produced two Tamil films, ''Adutha Varisu'' (1983) and ''Naan Adimai Illai'' (1986), both starring Rajinikanth and Sridevi.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gowalla |first1=Reema |title=Sridevi was a powerhouse of talent, says Yogish Dwarakish |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/sridevi-was-a-powerhouse-of-talent-says-yogish-dwarakish/articleshow/63067736.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=17 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226095331/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/sridevi-was-a-powerhouse-of-talent-says-yogish-dwarakish/articleshow/63067736.cms |archive-date=26 February 2018 |date=25 February 2018}}</ref> He produced two Hindi films including ''Gangvaa'' (1984).<ref name="dh2024">{{cite web |last1=Ramakrishna |first1=S. R. |title=Dwarakish: The producer who dared |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/dwarakish-the-producer-who-dared-2986688 |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=17 April 2026 |language=en |date=20 April 2024}}</ref> After a string of 19 commercial failures, he found success with ''Apthamitra''. ''Ayushman Bhava'' was the last film he produced before his death in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sharadhaa |first1=A. |title=Veteran Kannada actor, producer & director Dwarakish passes away |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2024/Apr/16/veteran-kannada-actor-producer-director-dwarakish-passes-away-3 |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=17 April 2026 |language=en |date=16 April 2024}}</ref>
Dwarakish was the first Kannada producer to introduce Kishore Kumar to the Kannada film industry via the film ''Kulla Agent 000'', and the song "Aadu Aata Aadu" became popular.<ref name = hin/>
===Director=== From the year 1985, Dwarakish started directing movies; his first movie as a director was ''Nee Bareda Kadambari''. He went on to direct movies for other producers. Behind the camera, Dwarakish was successful.<ref name = hin/> As a director, he created movies such as ''Dance Raja Dance'', ''Nee Bareda Kadambari'', ''Shruthi'', ''Shruthi Haakidha Hejje'', ''Rayaru Bandaru Mavana Manege'' and ''Kilaadigalu''.{{citation needed|date=December 2011}}
Dwarakish Chitra faced problems after the failure of some movies. With huge losses from box office failures, Dwarakish was written off by his own colleagues and the entire film industry. Despite failures, Dwarakish did not despair. He continued to make movies introducing new faces to Kannada cinema.<ref name = hin/>
As a producer, he introduced many new actors, actresses, directors, and technicians into cinema. Whom all consider him to be their "Godfather". Dwarakish produced ''Apthamitra'' in the year 2004 which ended up as a massive success.<ref name = sify>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/kannada/interview.php?id=13705151&cid=2404|title='Aptha Mithra' has saved my life: Dwarakesh|work=Sify|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=14 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014133906/http://www.sify.com/movies/kannada/interview.php?id=13705151&cid=2404|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Death== Dwarakish died from cardiac arrest in Bengaluru, on 16 April 2024, at the age of 81.<ref name="Legendary Kannada actor-producer Dwarakish no more">{{cite news |author=The Hindu Bureau |title=Legendary Kannada actor-producer Dwarakish no more |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/legendary-kannada-actor-producer-dwarakish-no-more/article68070955.ece |access-date=16 April 2024 | work=The Hindu | date=16 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416083601/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/legendary-kannada-actor-producer-dwarakish-no-more/article68070955.ece |archive-date=16 April 2024 | url-status=live|language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://hubliexpress.com/sandalwood-veteran-dwarkish-passes-away-at-81/ |title=Sandalwood Veteran Dwarkish Passes Away at 81 |access-date=16 April 2024 |archive-date=26 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426021942/https://hubliexpress.com/sandalwood-veteran-dwarkish-passes-away-at-81/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Records and awards== Produced First Kannada movie to be shot outside India. ''Apthamitra'' created records in Kannada Cinema. It was the first Kannada movie to celebrate screening for one year in two theatres, at Santosh in Bangalore and at Ranajith in Mysore and was the first Kannada movie to successfully complete one year of screening with four shows daily.<ref name = hin/>
Dwarakish received an NTR Award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Land for Telugu institute: Somanna |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2012/jun/05/land-for-telugu-institute-somanna-374303.html |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=The New Indian Express |date=5 June 2012 |archive-date=19 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819175208/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2012/jun/05/land-for-telugu-institute-somanna-374303.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Filmography== === Acting roles === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |- ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! class="unsortable"| Notes ! class="unsortable"| {{abbr|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} |- | 1964 ! scope=row| ''Veera Sankalpa'' | | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | rowspan="2" | 1965 ! scope=row| ''Maduve Madi Nodu'' | Simhadri | | |- ! scope=row| ''Satya Harishchandra'' | Disciple of Kalakoushika | | <ref name="tnm2017">{{cite web |title=Chiranjeevi Sarja steps in as hero for Dwarkish's 'Amma I Love You' |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/chiranjeevi-sarja-steps-hero-dwarkishs-amma-i-love-you-71163 |website=The News Minute |access-date=17 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829011121/https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/chiranjeevi-sarja-steps-hero-dwarkishs-amma-i-love-you-71163 |archive-date=29 August 2025 |language=en |date=6 November 2017}}</ref> |- | rowspan="4" |1966 ! scope=row| ''Sri Kanyaka Parameshwari Kathe'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Mamatheya Bandhana'' | | | <ref name="thehindu2018"/> |- ! scope=row| ''Mane Katti Nodu'' | Shankar | | |- ! scope=row| ''Endu Ninnavane'' | | | |- | rowspan="4" | 1967 ! scope=row| ''Sri Purandara Dasaru'' | Jeshtachari | | |- ! scope=row| ''Belli Moda'' | Papayya | | |- ! scope=row| ''Dhana Pishachi'' | Dwarakish | | |- ! scope=row| ''Lagna Pathrike'' | Ganesha | | <ref name="dh2024"/> |- | rowspan="9" | 1968 ! scope=row| ''Bhagyada Bagilu'' | Hanumantha | | <ref name="tnm2017"/> |- ! scope=row| ''Adda Dari'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Manku Dinne'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Bedi Bandavalu'' | Ramakrishna | | |- ! scope=row| ''Gandhinagara'' | Prabhakara | | |- ! scope=row| ''Arunodaya'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Anna Thamma'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Pravasi Mandira'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Lakshadheeshwara'' | | | |- | rowspan="9" | 1969 ! scope=row| ''Shiva Bhaktha'' | Mutha | | |- ! scope=row| ''Kaanike'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Kannu Muchhale'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Mayor Muthanna'' | Ranga | | |- ! scope=row| ''Mallammana Pavaada'' | Shivalingi | | |- ! scope=row| ''Vichithra Samsara'' | Mangesh | | |- ! scope=row| ''Ellellu Nane'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Niraparadhi'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Kadina Rahasya'' | | | |- | rowspan="6" | 1970 ! scope=row| ''Arishina Kumkuma'' | Gundu Rao | | |- ! scope=row| ''Baalu Belagithu'' | Kitti | | |- ! scope=row| ''C.I.D. Rajanna'' | Mallanna | | |- ! scope=row| ''Mooru Mutthugalu'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Mr. Rajkumar'' | Shekhar | | |- ! scope=row| ''Vagdana'' | | | |- | rowspan="9" | 1971 ! scope=row| ''Sidila Mari'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Sri Krishna Rukmini Satyabhama'' | Makaranda | | |- ! scope=row| ''Bhale Adrushtavo Adrushta'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Thayi Devaru'' | Puttu Rao | | |- ! scope=row| ''Nyayave Devaru'' | Mukunda | | |- ! scope=row| ''Baala Bandana'' | Vishwanath | | |- ! scope=row| ''Sothu Geddavalu'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Bethala Gudda'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Thande Makkalu'' | | | |- | rowspan="7" | 1972 ! scope=row| ''Nanda Gokula'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Janma Rahasya'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Vishakanye'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Kranti Veera'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Bangaarada Manushya'' | Shivalingu | | |- ! scope=row| ''Kulla Agent 000'' | | | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Khajane |first1=Muralidhara |title=He leaves behind a path of thought |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/he-leaves-behind-a-path-of-thought/article7818357.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=17 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260417165513/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/he-leaves-behind-a-path-of-thought/article7818357.ece |archive-date=17 April 2026 |language=en-IN |date=29 October 2015}}</ref> |- ! scope=row| ''Uttara Dakshina'' | Peter | | |- | rowspan="5" | 1973 ! scope=row| ''CID 72'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Devaru Kotta Thangi'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Doorada Betta'' | | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- ! scope=row| ''Cow Boy Kulla'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Mane Belagida Sose'' | | | |- | rowspan="6" | 1974 ! scope=row| ''Professor Huchuraya'' | Thimma | | |- ! scope=row| ''Gruhini'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Maga Mommaga'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Anna Attige'' | Shyam | | |- ! scope=row| ''Bhakta Kumbara'' | Gopi | | |- ! scope=row| ''Nanoo Balabeku'' | | | |- | rowspan="5" | 1975 ! scope=row| ''Kalla Kulla'' | Kulla | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- ! scope=row| ''Mahadeshwara Pooja Phala'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Koodi Balona'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Manthra Shakthi'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Aasha Soudha'' | | | |- | rowspan="10" | 1976 ! scope=row| ''Makkala Bhagya'' | Sundara | | |- ! scope=row| ''Soothrada Bombe'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Bahaddur Gandu'' | Panju's friend | | |- ! scope=row| ''Hudugatada Hudugi'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Hosilu Mettida Hennu'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Bengaluru Bootha'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Punardattha'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Vijaya Vani'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Idu Namma Desha'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Apoorva Kanasu'' | | | |- | rowspan="14" | 1977 ! scope=row| ''Devara Duddu'' | Balu | | |- ! scope=row| ''Sri Renuka Devi Mahatme'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Pavana Ganga'' | Shreepathi | | <ref name="tnm2017"/> |- ! scope=row| ''Sose Tanda Soubhagya'' | Dattatreya | | |- ! scope=row| ''Kittu Puttu'' | Puttu | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- ! scope=row| ''Dhanalakshmi'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Bhagyavantharu'' | Subbu | | |- ! scope=row| ''Galate Samsara'' | Muthanna | | |- ! scope=row| ''Shrimanthana Magalu'' | Kumar | | |- ! scope=row| ''Sahodarara Savaal'' | Raja | | |- ! scope=row| ''Kadgicchu'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Karthavyada Kare'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Shubhashaya'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Ganda Hendathi'' | | | |- | rowspan="11" | 1978 ! scope=row| ''Singaporenalli Raja Kulla'' | Gopinath | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- ! scope=row| ''Bhale Huduga'' | Shreerama / Balarama / Parashurama | Triple role | |- ! scope=row| ''Maathu Tappada Maga'' | Mohan | | |- ! scope=row| ''Madhura Sangama'' | Kapanipathy | | |- ! scope=row| ''Halli Haida'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Vamsha Jyothi'' | Virupaksha | | |- ! scope=row| ''Siritanakke Savaal'' | Chikkayya | | |- ! scope=row| ''Anuraga Bandhana'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Kiladi Jodi'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Vasantha Lakshmi'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Balu Aparoopa Nam Jodi'' | | | |- | rowspan="7" | 1979 ! scope=row| ''Asadhya Aliya'' | Sathyananda | | |- ! scope=row| ''Naniruvude Ninagagi'' | John / Vincent | Dual role | <ref>{{Cite web |title=Naaniruvude Ninagaagi (1979) Kannada movie: Cast & Crew |url=https://chiloka.com/movie/naaniruvude-ninagaagi-1979 |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=chiloka.com |archive-date=12 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412104545/https://chiloka.com/movie/naaniruvude-ninagaagi-1979 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! scope=row| ''Preethi Madu Thamashe Nodu'' | Sundara | | |- ! scope=row| ''Urvashi Neene Nanna Preyasi'' | | | <ref>{{cite web |title=Trendsetter |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/lounge/trendsetter/articleshow/22378069.cms |website=Bangalore Mirror |access-date=17 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260417171636/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/lounge/trendsetter/articleshow/22378069.cms |archive-date=17 April 2026 |language=en |date=22 October 2008}}</ref> |- ! scope=row| ''Adalu Badalu'' | LTV Prasanna | | |- ! scope=row| ''Aliya Devaru'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Vijay Vikram'' | | | |- | rowspan="7" | 1980 ! scope=row| ''Usha Swayamvara'' | Himself | Cameo | |- ! scope=row| ''Manku Thimma'' | Thimma | | |- ! scope=row| ''Haddina Kannu'' | Dose Damodara | | |- ! scope=row| ''Auto Raja'' | Raja's friend | | |- ! scope=row| ''Point Parimala'' | Vamana | | |- ! scope=row| ''Nyaya Neethi Dharma'' | Puttanna | | |- ! scope=row| ''Kulla Kulli'' | Krishna "Kulla" | | |- | rowspan="10" | 1981 ! scope=row| ''Mane Mane Kathe'' | Tharle Thammayya | | |- ! scope=row| ''Simhada Mari Sainya'' | Himself | | |- ! scope=row| ''Kula Puthra'' | Gopi | | |- ! scope=row| ''Avala Hejje'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Guru Shishyaru'' | Shishya | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- ! scope=row| ''Garjane'' | Madappa | | |- ! scope=row| ''Jeevakke Jeeva'' | Thippe | | |- ! scope=row| ''Chaya'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Prachanda Putanigalu'' | Himself | | |- ! scope=row| ''Number Aidoo Ekka'' | | | |- | rowspan="10" | 1982 ! scope=row| ''Pedda Gedda'' | | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- ! scope=row| ''Karmika Kallanalla'' | Krishnamurthy | | |- ! scope=row| ''Jimmy Gallu'' | Vasantha | | |- ! scope=row| ''Prema Mathsara'' | Kiran | | <ref>{{Cite web |title=Prema Mathsara (1982) Kannada movie: Cast & Crew |url=https://chiloka.com/movie/prema-mathsara-1982 |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=chiloka.com |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109083532/https://chiloka.com/movie/prema-mathsara-1982 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! scope=row| ''Nyaya Ellide'' | Peter | | |- ! scope=row| ''Shankar Sundar'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Adrushtavantha'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Mava Sose Saval'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Snehada Sankole'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Oorige Upakari'' | | Cameo apperance | |- | rowspan="2" | 1983 ! scope=row| ''Geluvu Nannade'' | Krishnamurthy aka Kittu | | <ref>{{Cite web |title=Geluvu Nannade (1983) Kannada movie: Cast & Crew |url=https://chiloka.com/movie/geluvu-nannade-1983 |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=chiloka.com |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821190119/https://chiloka.com/movie/geluvu-nannade-1983 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! scope=row| ''Gedda Maga'' | Chitragupta | | |- | rowspan="2" | 1984 ! scope=row| ''Prachanda Kulla'' | Rama | | |- ! scope=row| ''Police Papanna'' | Papanna | | |- | rowspan="2" | 1985 ! scope=row| ''Balondu Uyyale'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Brahma Gantu'' | | | |- | rowspan="2" | 1986 ! scope=row| ''Africadalli Sheela'' | Dr. Ram Seth | | |- ! scope=row| ''Madhuve Madu Tamashe Nodu'' | Mohan | | |- | 1988 ! scope=row| ''Ganda Mane Makkalu'' | | | |- | 1992 ! scope=row| ''Hosa Kalla Hale Kulla'' | | | |- | rowspan="5" | 1993 ! scope=row| ''Hendthi Helidare Kelabeku'' | Eeshwarayya | | |- ! scope=row| ''Server Somanna'' | | Cameo appearance | |- ! scope=row| ''Muddina Maava'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Rayaru Bandaru Mavana Manege'' | Shyam | | |- ! scope=row| ''Aaha Brahmachari'' | | | |- | rowspan="3" | 1994 ! scope=row| ''Mandyada Gandu'' | | Cameo appearance | |- ! scope=row| ''Kiladigalu'' | Puttappa / Hari | Dual role | |- ! scope=row| ''Rasika'' | | | |- | rowspan="4" | 1995 ! scope=row| ''Kidnap'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Giddu Dada'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Thaliya Sowbhagya'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Hello Sister'' | | | |- | rowspan="2" | 1996 ! scope=row| ''Balina Jyothi'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Hrudaya Kallaru'' | | | |- | rowspan="2" | 1997 ! scope=row| ''Shruthi Hakida Hejje'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Enoondre'' | | | |- | 2000 ! scope=row| ''Yare Nee Abhimani'' | Gundlupete Gundanna | | |- | rowspan="3" | 2001 ! scope=row| ''Yarige Beda Duddu'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Sri Manjunatha'' | Bhrungi | | |- ! scope=row| ''Chitte'' | Truck driver | | |- | 2002 ! scope=row| ''Boothayyana Makkalu'' | | | |- | rowspan="6" | 2003 ! scope=row| ''Ananda'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Neenilde Nanu Illa Kane'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Fifty:Fifty'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Khushi'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Gadibidi Brothers'' | | | <ref>{{cite web |title='Gadibidi Brothers' - a comedy film |url=http://www.viggy.com/english/gadibidi_brothers.asp |website=Viggy |access-date=17 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030401031433/http://www.viggy.com/english/gadibidi_brothers.asp |archive-date=1 April 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |- ! scope=row| ''Dreams'' | | | |- | rowspan="5" | 2004 ! scope=row| ''Swetha Naagu'' | Ashok Kumar | | |- ! scope=row| ''Baithare Baithare'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Kanasina Loka'' | | | |- ! scope=row|''Apthamitra'' | Mukunda | | |- ! scope=row| ''Thali Kattuva Shubhavele'' | | | |- |- | 2006 ! scope=row| ''Jothe Jotheyali'' | Divya's Father | | |- | 2008 ! scope=row| ''Premigagi Naa'' | | | |- | rowspan="6" | 2009 ! scope=row| ''Anjadiru'' | Loki | | |- ! scope=row| ''Eshtu Nagthi Nagu'' | | | <ref>{{cite web |title=Eshtu Nagthi Nagu Movie Review {2/5}: Critic Review of Eshtu Nagthi Nagu by Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/eshtu-nagthi-nagu/movie-review/4474953.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=17 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802011713/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/Eshtu-Nagthi-Nagu/movie-review/4474953.cms |archive-date=2 August 2024 |language=en |date=10 May 2016}}</ref> |- ! scope=row| ''Dubai Babu'' | Doddanna | | |- ! scope=row| ''Kalakar'' | Film director | | <ref>{{cite web |title=Kalaakar, story in pictures |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/2009/may/27/slide-show-1-kalaakar-story-in-pictures.htm |website=Rediff |access-date=17 April 2026 |language=en |date=27 May 2009}}</ref> |- ! scope=row| ''Cheluvina Chilipili'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Ravana'' | | | |- | rowspan="2" | 2010 ! scope=row| ''Bisile'' | | | |- ! scope=row| ''Karavali Hudugi'' | | | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Reddy |first1=Maheswara |title=The story of a Dalit daughter |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2010/Jan/28/the-story-of-a-dalit-daughter-165110.html |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=17 April 2026 |language=en |date=16 May 2012}}</ref> |- | 2011 ! scope=row| ''Vishnuvardhana'' | Colonel | | |- | 2014 ! scope=row| ''Maanikya'' | Himself | Special appearance in song "Mani Mani Maanikya" | |- | 2015 ! scope=row| ''Aatagara'' | | | |- | 2017 ! scope=row| ''Chowka'' | Himself | Special appearance in song "Alladsu Alladsu" | <ref name="Chowka">{{cite web |last1=Kumar |first1=Santhosh |title=Chowka Trailer To Release This Week |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2017/chowka-trailer-to-release-this-week-251382.html |website=Filmibeat |access-date=17 April 2026 |language=en |date=10 January 2017}}</ref> |- | 2023 ! scope=row| ''Mayanagari'' | Dwarakish | | <ref>{{cite web |title=Veteran actor Dwarakish makes a pivotal appearance in 'Mayanagari' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2023/Nov/21/veteran-actor-dwarakish-makes-a-pivotal-appearance-in-mayanagari-2634670.html |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=17 April 2026 |language=en |date=21 November 2023}}</ref> |}
=== Directing, producing, and writing credits === {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" ! Year ! Title ! Director ! Producer !Writer ! Notes ! class="unsortable"| {{abbr|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} |- | 1966 | ''Mamatheya Bandhana'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | Co-producer | <ref name="thehindu2018"/> |- | 1969 | ''Mayor Muthanna'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | 1972 | ''Kulla Agent 000'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | <ref name="dh2024"/> |- | 1973 | ''Cowboy Kulla'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | rowspan="2" | 1977 | ''Bhagyavantharu'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | ''Kittu Puttu'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | 1978 | ''Singaporenalli Raja Kulla'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | 1979 | ''Preethi Madu Thamashe Nodu'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | rowspan="2" | 1980 | ''Kulla Kulli'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | ''Manku Thimma'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | rowspan="2" | 1981 | ''Guru Shishyaru'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | ''Mane Mane Kathe'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | rowspan="3" | 1982 | ''Pedda Gedda'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | ''Adrushtavantha'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | ''Nyaya Ellide'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | rowspan="3" | 1983 | ''Gedda Maga'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | ''Ananda Bhairavi'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | Bi-lingual film (Kannada, Telugu); Kannada version only | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | ''Adutha Varisu'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | Tamil film | |- | rowspan="5" | 1984 | ''Prachanda Kulla'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | ''Police Papanna'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | ''Indina Ramayana'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | ''Gangvaa'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | Hindi film | <ref name="dh2024"/> |- | ''Madhuve Madu Tamashe Nodu'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | rowspan="3" | 1985 | ''Nee Bareda Kadambari'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | ''Nee Thanda Kanike'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{partial|Screenplay}} | | |- | ''Brahma Gantu'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | rowspan="2" | 1986 | ''Naan Adimai Illai'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{partial|Screenplay}} | Tamil film | |- | ''Africadalli Sheela'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | rowspan="5" | 1987 | ''Kizhakku Africavil Sheela'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} || Tamil film | |- | ''Sheela'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{partial|Story}} | Hindi film | |- | ''Dance Raja Dance'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | | |- | ''Onde Goodina Hakkigalu'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | ''Ravana Rajya'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | 1988 | ''Ganda Mane Makkalu'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | rowspan="2" | 1989 | ''Jai Karnataka'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | | |- | ''Krishna Nee Kunidaga'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Anien |first1=Tini Sara |title=On my pinboard: Jaggesh |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/my-pinboard-jaggesh-684948.html |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=17 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260417165924/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/my-pinboard-jaggesh-684948.html |archive-date=17 April 2026 |language=en |date=2 August 2018}}</ref> |- | 1990 | ''Shruthi'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{partial|Screenplay}} | | |- | 1991 | ''Gowri Kalyana'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{partial|Screenplay}} | | |- | 1992 | ''Hosa Kalla Hale Kulla'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | 1993 | ''Rayaru Bandaru Mavana Manege'' | {{yes}} | {{no}} | {{partial|Screenplay}} | | |- | rowspan="2" | 1994 | ''Rasika'' | {{yes}} | {{no}} | {{yes}} | | |- | ''Kiladigalu'' | {{yes}} | {{no}} | {{yes}} | | |- | rowspan="2" | 1995 | ''Kidnap'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | | |- | ''Giddu Dada'' | {{yes}} | {{no}} | {{yes}} | | |- | 1996 | ''Hrudaya Kallaru'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | |- | 1997 | ''Shruthi Hakida Hejje'' | {{yes}} | {{no}} | {{no}} | | |- | 2001 | ''Majnu'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{partial|Screenplay}} | | |- | 2004 || ''Apthamitra'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | Filmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | 2011 | ''Vishnuvardhana'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | <ref>{{cite web |title=Hurdles cleared for Vishnuvardhana |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/hurdles-cleared-for-vishnuvardhana/articleshow/21611139.cms |website=Bangalore Mirror |access-date=17 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619024033/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/hurdles-cleared-for-vishnuvardhana/articleshow/21611139.cms |archive-date=19 June 2024 |language=en |date=6 May 2011}}</ref> |- | 2012 | ''Chaarulatha'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | Bi-lingual film (Kannada, Tamil) | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Khajane |first1=Muralidhara |title=Committed to acting |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/committed-to-acting/article19684418.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=17 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914155144/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/committed-to-acting/article19684418.ece |archive-date=14 September 2017 |language=en-IN |date=14 September 2017}}</ref> |- | 2015 | ''Aatagara'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | 2017 | ''Chowka'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada<br/>Nominated—SIIMA Award for Best Film – Kannada | <ref name="Chowka"/> |- | 2018 | ''Amma I Love You'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | <ref name="thehindu2024"/> |- | 2019 | ''Ayushman Bhava'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Sharadhaa |first1=A. |title=Ayushman Bhava: Shivanna brings to life P Vasu’s musical thriller |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/reviews/kannada/2019/Nov/15/ayushman-bhava-shivanna-gives-a-therapeutic-touch-to-vasus-musical-thriller-15521.html |website=Cinema Express |access-date=17 April 2026 |language=en |date=16 November 2019}}</ref> |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20120925064229/http://www.dwarakishchitra.com/ Official site] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20070930183625/http://sify.com/movies/kannada/interview.php?id=13705151&cid=2404 Sify interview] * {{IMDb name|id=1125787|name=Dwarakish}} {{Subject bar |commons = yes |commons-search = |d = yes |d-search = |portal1 = Biography |portal2 = }} {{Dwarakish}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dwarakish}} Category:1942 births Category:2024 deaths Category:Male actors from Karnataka Category:Male actors in Kannada cinema Category:Kannada film directors Category:Film producers from Karnataka Category:People from Mysore district Category:Film directors from Karnataka Category:20th-century Indian male actors Category:21st-century Indian male actors Category:Kannada film producers Category:Tamil film producers Category:Indian male film actors Category:Indian male comedians Category:Kannada comedians Category:Recipients of the Rajyotsava Award 2006 Category:IIFA Utsavam winners